Louis C. Hicks is a war veteran who knows how to get by.
After his mother passed away, he was left to take care of his two sisters. Being their caretaker gifted him with a sense of responsibility, but after going to war, he became convinced of his self-sufficiency. In an interview with KVUE, he said:
“You hate to ask anybody [for help] ’cause sometimes they’ll frown on you— and I’m a true veteran. I won’t ask. I won’t ask.”
So, when Louis’ heater started burning a hole through his floor, he figured he’d come up with a solution himself.
Unfortunately, like many other veterans, the senior was on a strict budget and couldn’t afford unexpected expenses. To top it all off, someone had broken into his shed and stolen his power tools. So, he decided to alert the police. Officer Chasity Salazar responded to the call. While taking down the details of the theft, she noticed Louis had been using his gas stove and oven to heat the house. “That’s just what we do as police officers,” she told KVUE.
“I had just realized that he’s using the oven. I know that’s not safe. His gas is on.”
Salazar couldn’t leave the man in such a dangerous situation.
So, she contacted the Austin Police Department. Working alongside organization such as Austin Cops 4 Charities, Austin Police Association, and St. David’s Foundation, the department helped get Louis a free, brand-new heater.
When Salazar showed up to deliver the gift with Officer Bino Cadenas, the senior could barely hold back his tears.
“I’ve never had no one do nothing for me,” he said through sniffles.
“After my mother passed away and left me to take care of my two sisters … nobody never did nothing to help me.”
Luckily, KVUE was on the scene to capture the heartwarming moment.
Reporter Pattrik Perez shared some of the footage to Twitter, which can be viewed here:
How sweet is this?! @Austin_Police is delivering a free heater to a 92-year-old World War II veteran! An officer who responded to his house last week noticed he was heating it with his stove and oven. Thanks to these officers, he won’t need to do that anymore. 😊 @KVUE pic.twitter.com/rCvwclXuVW
— Pattrik Perez (@PattrikPerez) January 29, 2019
One week after the initial visit, officers returned to Louis’ home to give him a beautiful, new electric fireplace.
Other community members have also been dropping by to leave him gifts and various items and snacks. Salazar told KVUE she’s happy to help a man who’s done so much for his country.
Watch the video below!
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